Monitoring of Overhead Lines Using Embedded Optical Fibers for Capacity Optimization, Line Awareness, and Determining Maintenance Schedules

BOTDR for thermal and mechanical profiling and DAS for real‑time event detection, the system delivers distributed rather than point‑based insights to support Direct Ambient

Adjusted Ratings (DAAR) grounded in the conductor’s actual state. A cloud‑native analytics platform integrates these measurements with AI forecasting, digital twins, and secure

SCADA/EMS workflows to enable more proactive asset management.

Validation under utility stressors—thermal cycling to 200 °C, tensile duty, and dynamic vibration—demonstrates detection of localized anomalies and discontinuities. DAS provides continuous awareness of Aeolian vibration and galloping, while BOTDR confirms mechanical consequence for actionable localization. Embedded sensing maintains mechanical parity and compatibility with standard installation, allowing integration using established construction and maintenance procedures.

Operationally, the technology increases latent capacity, reduces curtailment, and enhances reliability through location-specific decisions. DAAR enables dynamic loading adjustments, while condition-based maintenance targets high-risk spans and extends asset life. Wildfire risk mitigation is advanced by early anomaly detection and sag visualization. Cybersecurity and governance aligned with U.S./EU standards ensure trust and scalability; as the system scales, analytics enable predictive maintenance and coordinated planning—establishing a new standard for transmission monitoring and asset stewardship.